"In the case of good books, the point is not to see how many of them you can get through, but how many can get through to you."

—Mortimer Adler (b. 1902) American philosopher, educator, How to Read a Book

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Who We Are

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About us

The Library

The Carlinville Public Library is located at 510 North
Broad. The library provides services to all residents living within the
Carlinville city boundary and, for a fee, to all others within the Carlinville
Community School District #1.

The library is a member of the Illinois Heartland Library System with access to
more than 10 million books, magazines, DVDs, CDs, audiobooks, and eBooks. The System covers 28,141 square miles and has
more than 600 members. Materials may be
ordered 24/7 online. In addition to
these items, thousands of people enter the library to utilize print and
electronic reference resources, access the Internet through the library's
fiber-optic connection, enjoy state-of-the-art Wi-Fi service, view a library
exhibit, or attend one of the library's many events. Ten public access computers, copying and
faxing services are available.

Our friendly and professional staff is eager to help you. Welcome to the
Carlinville Public Library!

Our
Mission

It is the mission of the Carlinville Public Library to
increase usage of our beautiful facility by providing books, materials, and
services to support the educational enrichment of the community,
recreational reading, and to introduce children to the world of books.

Our
History

The
first meeting of the Library Society was held on January 1, 1870. With
$400.00 in the treasury, the Society opened Carlinville's first library in the
Good Templar's Hall (126 E. Main Street). Later in the year it was moved to
the basement of the Macoupin County Courthouse.
Miss Susan Dick was Head Librarian from March of 1877-February of 1884.
When Miss Dick died in 1914, she left the Society a plot of land and
$8,000.00. She asked the Society to build "a good substantial
building, the outside of pressed bricks,two stories high, with modern improvements,
basement, and a handsome front." This building is located at 112
East First North Street.
In 1927 the society gave the library to the City of Carlinville.
The Head Librarians since then have been: Miss Elizabeth Deadrick
(1727-1962), Mrs. Virginia Surman (1962-1976), Mrs. Iris Zimmer (1976-1995),
Mrs. Elizabeth Kaburick (1995-2007), and Mrs. Janet Howard (2007-).
The library contents were moved to the library's present location, 510 North Broad Street, in
1997. A flatbed truck and multiple cars were used to move the boxes of
books and other items. At that time the library had about 25,000
books. The library now has more than 37,000 items in its database. More than 10 million items are available through the Illinois Heartland Library System.
Local artist, Nan Steinmeyer, painted the mural that is the backdrop of the
stage located in the children's section. The mural follows the tale of
her Doberman puppy's adventures after he falls into a magic hole.

OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

James Fenton-President

Sarah Zimmer-Vice-president

Claudia Leonatti- Treasurer

Margaret Fehr-Secretary

Doris Boente-Trustee

Jill Albertine-Trustee

Norman Schmidt-Trustee

Rosemary Clark-Trustee

Tom Emery-Trustee

RECORD REQUEST

A request
for records may be made in person or in writing. The request must identify in a reasonable
manner the records that are to be requested.
The request should not be “unduly burdensome.” A request for public records must be granted
or denied in 7 working days. If
additional time is required, the Library will notify the person making the
request by letter specifying the reason for the delay and the date when either
the records will be released or the denial of the request will be made. If the request for documents is denied, the
persons making the request must be notified by letter within 7 days and the
reason for denying the request must be given.
The denial must also state that an appeal may be made to the President
of the Board of Directors. If that
appeal is also denied, the person requesting the information has a right to
judicial review. Copies of all letters
of denial must be retained in a single file that is open to the public.